Breakups are rough whether you're the one did the breaking up or the one who got dumped. Things aren't always black and white, and it's normal to be doubtful about the real reasons things ended the way they did. Even though there aren't any instant solutions to the breakup blues, a good friend can make all the difference in how you move on. Here are ten great ways you can help a friend who's going through a breakup.
1. Answer their calls. 
They might call you once, they might call you 20 times. Regardless of how many phone calls you get from your friend in the days and weeks following their breakup, it is important to answer every call you can. Even if you don't know exactly what to say, just hearing someone on the other end who is willing to listen is sure to put them at ease.
2. Get them out of the house.
You could invite them to your place or the restaurant downtown for dinner, go get manicures together, or even spend a day at the beach. Anything you can do to prevent them from moping around in their room all day will help pull them out of the rut that is all too easy to get trapped in.
3. Check in with them.
Some people are very vocal about their emotions during their breakups, others stay quiet. Just because your friend says that they're feeling fine, doesn't necessarily mean it's true. It can't hurt to check in with them and ask them how they're really feeling. They may not answer honestly, but it's important to remind them that you care.
4. Remind them that they aren't alone.
Small acts of kindness can go a long way. Don't let your friend forget how important they are to you. They need your love and support now more than ever.
5. Encourage them to get back out there.
They may not be ready to get back out onto the playing field right after a rough breakup, but you need to do everything you can to keep them from getting wrapped up in the illusion that their ex is coming back for them.
Even if they will eventually end up getting back together with that person, it is important for them to spend their time apart discovering new things about themself, spending time with their friends, and exploring possibilities with new people. It's important to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
6. Try something new together.
Making new memories with friends will help keep your friend from trapping themself in a sea of old memories with their ex. This could be by taking a class together at your local parks and recreation center, starting a new workout routine together, or even taking up a new hobby together. Something as little as starting a new show on Netflix together is enough to start taking their mind off of the past.
7. Give them space when they need it.
Sometimes your friend won't want to talk to you. You may go hours or even days without hearing much more than a few text messages from them. They may even take a day off from school or work. It's important to give your friend a little space when they may need it, just make sure that you let them know that you'll be there for them when they're ready to share how they're feeling.
If they stay distant for more than a few days, you should reach out to them and make sure they're doing alright. Depression is very real, and it's important for you to keep an eye on your friend and watch for the symptoms. There's no shame in reaching out to a professional if you start to get worried about a friend acting out of the ordinary.
8. Be realistic with them.
A friend going through a breakup will be very emotionally fragile, but this is no excuse to fuel the fires of unhealthy illusions. Don't encourage your friend that things will go back to the way they used to be. Instead, you should remind them about how much you and their other friends care about them and how important it is to keep moving forward.
Don't be cold with them, but it is more than okay to be realistic and positively criticize their unhealthy beliefs. They'll thank you for it one day.
9. Cook dinner together.
Cooking together is a great way to both talk and do something productive. You'll even have a (probably) delicious meal to share afterwards!
10. Have a sleepover.
Sleepovers aren't just for kids. Sometimes staying up late watching Netflix and eating snacks with your closest friends is exactly what you need to get your mind off things.
